Private developers propose new Boulevard ballpark

A new proposal could keep baseball on the Boulevard and not use taxpayer dollars to build a new ballpark.

City council members confirm to NBC12 a development group has offered to build a new ballpark on the Boulevard. We're told this new stadium would be based on the Greensboro, North Carolina model.

Councilman Jon Baliles tells NBC12 developers have agreed to purchase the 10 acres on the North Boulevard site at the assessed value to build a ballpark and other development. Then, options for the other acreage will be negotiated.

Here's one option being examined: The developers would purchase the land on North Boulevard from the city, then the city would turn back over some of the money gained. Sources say the rest of the 60 acres would likely be used for office space, retail and residential development.

Not only would this plan not use taxpayer funds, but it could actually earn the city money. The land sold would go back on the tax roll because it would be owned by the developer, who would then have to pay real estate taxes.

NBC12 has learned all nine council members and the mayor's administration have been approached about the plan. It is in sharp contrast to the Shockoe Bottom development plan, which includes a new ballpark.

Marc Davis reached out to the Flying Squirrels about this development. The team tells us they were unaware of any plan and do not want to comment at this time.

Iris Bolling is from Richmond, and she is a former Commonwealth of Virginia employee and now a published author and production company owner. In 10 years, she wrote 22 books and even turned some of them into shows.

Iris Bolling is from Richmond, and she is a former Commonwealth of Virginia employee and now a published author and production company owner. In 10 years, she wrote 22 books and even turned some of them into shows.